Balancer

Abstract

A rotating object balancer may include an insert configured for securing to an object and having a chamber for placement of balancing elements and a curable solution, a rotational system configured to rotate the object at high-speed, a monitoring system for monitoring vibrations of the object rotating at high-speed, and a curing tool configured for curing the curable solution when the object has reached a balanced state. A method of balancing may be performed by the balancer and a balanced object may be created by the balancer.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A rotating object balancer, comprising:
 an insert configured for securing to an object and having a chamber for placement of balancing elements and a curable solution;   a rotational system configured to rotate the object at high-speed;   a monitoring system for monitoring vibrations of the object rotating at high-speed; and   a curing tool configured for curing the curable solution when the object has reached a balanced state.   
     
     
         2 . The balancer of  claim 1 , wherein the curing tool comprises an ultraviolet light emitting device. 
     
     
         3 . The balancer of  claim 2 , wherein the curing tool comprises a heating element. 
     
     
         4 . The balancer of  claim 1 , wherein the object is a propeller. 
     
     
         5 . The balancer of  claim 4 , wherein the insert is configured for engaging the hub of the propeller. 
     
     
         6 . The balancer of  claim 1 , wherein the rotational system comprises a universal switch configured to isolate vibrations from a drive system so as to avoid affecting vibration of the object. 
     
     
         7 . The balancer of  claim 6 , wherein the universal switch comprises a drive receiving portion, a central portion pivotable relative to the drive receiving portion about a first axis, and a top portion pivotable relative to the central portion about a second axis. 
     
     
         8 . The balancer of  claim 7 , wherein the drive receiving portion defines a longitudinal axis and the first axis and second axis are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         9 . The balancer of  claim 8 , wherein the first and second axes are substantially perpendicular to one another. 
     
     
         10 . The balancer of  claim 9 , wherein further comprising a cage for surrounding the object during rotation. 
     
     
         11 . The balancer of  claim 1 , wherein the chamber is substantially annular in shape and includes a substantially round cross-section. 
     
     
         12 . The balancer of  claim 11 , wherein the balancing elements comprise ball bearings. 
     
     
         13 . The balancer of  claim 11 , wherein the balancing elements are surrounded by the curable solution within the chamber. 
     
     
         14 . The balancer of  claim 13 , wherein the curable solution is curable by exposure to ultraviolet light. 
     
     
         15 . A method of balancing an object, comprising:
 arranging balancing elements on the object such that the balancing elements are free to move within a region;   rotating the object at high-speed;   monitoring the object for a balanced condition; and   fixing the position of the balancing elements when the object is in a balanced condition and while the object is rotating.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the region comprises a chamber and arranging balancing elements on the object comprises placing the objects in a chamber. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein fixing the position of the balancing elements comprises exposing the object to ultraviolet light. 
     
     
         18 . A rotationally balanced object, comprising:
 a body portion;   a cavity arranged within the body portion;   a balancing element arranged within the cavity portion; and   a cured or curable substance arranged within the cavity at least partially surrounding the balancing element and configured for securing the position of the balancing element when the substance is in a cured state.   
     
     
         19 . The object of  claim 18 , wherein the substance is curable using ultraviolet light. 
     
     
         20 . The object of  claim 19 , wherein the substance is curable using heat. 
     
     
         21 . The object of  claim 18 , wherein the substance is a two part material curable by mixing. 
     
     
         22 . The object of  claim 18 , wherein the body portion comprises a base portion and an insert or attachment. 
     
     
         23 . The object of  claim 18 , wherein the cavity is arranged in the insert or attachment.